FWPA’s ForestLearning program is dedicated to bridging the gap between the forest and wood products industry and schools across Australia by providing Australian curriculum-aligned resources. These resources help educators teach about the importance of forestry, forests, and wood products, while also delving into the scientific principles underpinning sustainable forestry practices.
A newly launched educational resource from ForestLearning for primary students sheds light on Australia’s diverse native forests, highlighting how key tree species have adapted to thrive in their environments. The Forest Science Explorers unit for Years 5 and 6, developed in partnership with the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) by FWPA’s ForestLearning program, showcases how sustainable forestry practices leverage these adaptations to ensure the health and vitality of our forests for the future.
The Forest Science Explorers unit specifically focuses on how four distinct tree species – Swamp Gum/Mountain Ash, Spotted gum, Jarrah, and Cypress pine – have adapted to their unique environments and how foresters apply this knowledge to maintain healthy, resilient forests.
Complementing the ForestVRTM 360-degree virtual tour videos and unit are four new visual fact sheets, featuring hand-drawn life-cycle illustrations that make comparing four of Australia’s forest types straightforward and engaging. These resources highlight the adaptations of each forest type and the trees within them, providing clear illustrations that help students understand the scientific work behind sustainable forest management. Fact-checked and edited by foresters from key organisations, including Queensland Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Forest Products Commission Western Australia (FPCWA), Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT), VicForests, and Forestry Corporation of New South Wales (FCNSW), these fact sheets ensure content that is accurate, relevant, and reflective of real-world forest science. This connection between biological sciences and forestry aims to inspire the next generation of foresters and forest scientists.
The unit includes online interactive or printable workbooks for both students and teachers, embedding immersive education technologies such as video experiences via ForestLearning’s own ForestVR and 360-degree videos and photo tours, providing an in-depth virtual tour of different forest types.
The Forest Science Explorers unit made its debut at the Australian Science Teacher’s Association Conference (CONASTA71), where ForestLearning exhibited and presented a workshop to primary and secondary science teachers. At an exhibition stand made entirely from sustainably sourced cardboard from The Cardboard Mill, the resource received significant interest from teachers, many of whom plan to integrate it into their Term 4 lesson plans.
ForestLearning is an initiative of Forest & Wood Products Australia. To learn more, visit ForestLearning.edu.au.
